4WD and RWD Porsche Boxster E prototypes revealed

Porsche's Boxster E 4WD and RWD electric prototypes created a spark at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin in front of key politicians and members of the motor trade last week. The 1,600 kg Boxster is being created in rear and four-wheel-drive variants and, in 4WD twin-EV motor form, is set to offer 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds, a seamless acceleration to its 124mph top speed without gear changes and "Porsche driving dynamics and performance at the heart." The Boxster E follows on from similar ground-breaking initiatives like the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car, 918 Spyder super sports car and 918 RSR concept. Porsche says: "Thanks to its design as a mid-engine sports car, the Porsche Boxster is the ideal vehicle platform for conducting realistic trials with electric-drive systems. The open-top two-seater car is very light, enabling the new components that are the electric motor, battery and high-voltage technology to be accommodated within the vehicle in a crash-proof way. Together with the low drag, this reduces driving resistance for optimal range." The 4WD car features two electric motors, developing a total power output of 180 kW (241bhp) and a maximum total torque of 540 Nm at a maximum engine speed of approximately 12,000 rpm. That sounds interesting. Meanwhile, the RWD Boxster E models feature no front electric motor, delivering a power output of 90 kW (120bhp) and a rated torque of 270 Nm: This model can sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds, with a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). Hardly very Porsche sports car eh? Interesting times though...